I recently had the privilege of speaking with Ryan Rose Weaver, a writer, educator, and fellow parent of a neurodivergent kid.
In part two of the interview, we explored the intersection of creativity and caregiving, and how self-care isn't an indulgence, but a necessity.
BUT HOW, you ask?
We know from experience how hard it can be to consider our own needs. As parents, especially to neurodivergent kids, we often find ourselves on the brink of exhaustion (or more likely already falling into its abyss). If you're going through a season of intensive caregiving, we're holding you close.
If you haven’t seen/heard part one, it’s an incredibly helpful and compassionate perspective on navigating IEP Meetings, from someone who has been on both sides of the table.
"Creativity is preventative care for caregiver burnout."
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Please review Atypical Kids, Mindful Parents on Apple Podcasts
Why Do We Feel Shame About Our Creative Work?
We spoke about the importance of embracing interruptions in creativity and parenting. This idea challenges us to value the "imperfections" and interruptions in our lives as integral pieces of our creative and parenting narratives. It's an unlearning process where the experiences are rich and varied, filled with laughter and lessons - like a Lizzo track.
Connecting Creativity with Burnout Prevention
Creativity not only helps us recharge but allows us to model growth mindset and resourcefulness for our children.
One of the most resonant parts of our dialogue was Ryan's perspective on creativity as a form of preventative care against burnout. The everyday rigors of parenting can be exhausting, and finding an outlet through creativity can be a lifeline. The key is to redefine what creativity means. It doesn’t have to be grand or perfect. It’s about finding joy and presence in simple acts, whether that’s cooking, writing, or playing with your child.
“Creativity can be a grind. We can’t snap our fingers and feel self-regulated and present all the time.”
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Navigating Parenting Challenges with Mindfulness
Parenting certainly isn’t a path to a “plateau of forever perfection” as Ryan aptly describes. We’re all just learning to embrace interruptions, and understanding that they add a unique flavor to our art. Mindfulness helps us acknowledge our emotions, and be more grounded and present for our children.
Feeling Seen and Supported in Community
During our discussion, Ryan emphasized the value of having peer community. “There’s so much learning that can happen in that space,” she says. By surrounding ourselves with people who share similar values and experiences, we create a supportive environment. We’re not meant to do this alone, and having a network helps us share insights and challenges, making the weight of parenting feel lighter.
In connecting with each other, we find solace and strength. We can let go of perfection, and form connections where we feel seen and heard. As Ryan articulated, support doesn't always come from those we've known forever; sometimes it comes from those walking with us right now.
“Somebody please ask me about Bluey!”
According to Ryan, Bluey is a show for grownups about parenting, and kids just happen to like it. She talks about an episode dedicated to creativity. Have you seen it? What’s your perspective? Where do you find inspiration within your parenting life?
Ryan shared a personal story about moving to Cape Cod and how solo parenting a five-year-old on a day out turned into a cherished memory.
How Can We Find Joy During Intensive Parenting Seasons?
How do you acknowledge the moments of joy, no matter how small, amidst the chaos? I’d like to encourage parents to:
lean into imperfect creative flow,
use any mindfulness technique that grounds you, and
seek support right here in this community.
Make space for playfulness and deeper connection in everyday life!
Please listen to or watch the episode, and when you do I hope you’ll review, subscribe, and follow so that other parents like us can find their way to connection and joy. I hope Ryan's words resonate as much with you as they did with me.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview
01:12 Connecting Creativity and Parental Burnout
02:17 Navigating Parenting Challenges
03:05 Rituals and Milestones in Parenting
04:08 The Concept of 'Eddying Out'
05:31 Balancing Self and Caregiving
07:28 The Importance of Community and Support
18:31 Creativity as Preventative Care
20:34 Navigating Shame in Creativity
21:19 The Magic of Bluey
22:14 Defining Creativity and Its Forms
25:08 Flow State: The Joy of Creative Process
27:31 Unlearning and Embracing Interruptions
35:32 The Power of Community and Support
41:34 Cherishing Parenting Moments
43:33 Gratitude and Joy in Everyday Life
44:25 Conclusion and Farewell
Connect With :
Thank you for walking alongside me on this journey.
Speaking of creativity…
📣 NEW YouTube Channel to subscribe to: Self-Regulated Parent. I’d love your support, as there are only 3 subscribers so far (and one of them is me). I know, Lizzo, it’s about damn time I separated the yoga from the parenting videos. I’ll be publishing all the podcast episodes there going forward, plus shorts, outtakes, archives…?
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